Nickel Package: Going big-game hunting
Five topics on the New Hampshire football landscape:
1. Friday's top game
One of the most interesting games on this weekend's menu will take place Friday in Portsmouth, where Souhegan and Portsmouth will meet to determine first place in Division III. Plymouth's victory over Milford on Sunday left the Sabers and Clippers as the only unbeaten teams in the division. Each team is 4-0 overall.
It figures to be a game with plenty of offense. Portsmouth has thrown nine TD passes in its four games. Junior split end Mike Montville has five TD receptions.
Souhegan has scored 118 points in its three Division III contests.
2. Pinkerton at Londonderry
Call this the back end of this weekend's premier doubleheader. Both teams are 3-0 in Division I.
Since dropping a 10-3 decision in a non-league game against Bishop Guertin, Pinkerton has outscored its three opponents 103-34. First-year Londonderry coach Jon Rich couldn't have scripted a better start for his Lancers, who have beaten Winnacunnet (non-league), Salem, Concord and Manchester West.
Rumor has it this is a pretty good rivalry too.
3. Big men on campus
Even though UNH has a bye this weekend, it will be easy to take in a local college game Saturday. St. Anselm will play American International at home (1 p.m.); Plymouth State will be at home against Western New England (1 p.m.); and the Dartmouth-Penn game can be seen on CN8 (noon).
4. Defensive posture
It appears points will be at a premium when Bishop Guertin visits Exeter on Nov. 7. The game will likely determine the No. 1 seed for the Division II playoffs.
BG has allowed 10 points this season, but its defense hasn't surrendered a touchdown. The Cards gave up a field goal against Pinkerton, and Merrimack scored on a kick return.
Exeter stretched its scoreless streak to 13 quarters when it blanked Winnacunnet, 38-0, Saturday. The Blue Hawks have allowed 20 points this year. All 20 came in a season-opening 21-20 victory over Nashua South. One of Nashua South's three TDs came on an Exeter fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
5. Plymouth State's running man
For those who may have missed it, former Milford High School standout Jeff Mack, a senior, rushed for a 218 yards to help Plymouth State defeat UMass-Dartmouth, 30-10, Saturday. The 218-yard rushing effort was Mack's career best.
